A memorial service will be held Saturday for a Red Deer man who did not return from a swim in Amethyst Lake in the Tonquin Valley of Jasper National Park nearly two weeks ago.
Grant Mark Werstiuk, 30, will be remembered at Living Stones Church (2020 - 40th Avenue in Red Deer) at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Jasper RCMP Sgt. Dave Maludzinski said on Aug. 19, Werstiuk and some friends were fishing in a canoe when Werstiuk went for a swim across the lake and did not return.
“We’ve been searching,” said Maludzinksi. “We have the RCMP helicopter. We are going up again Friday. We’ve been searching the entire lake with no luck so far. It’s a deep water and big lake. It’s a cold mountain lake.”
Police do not suspect foul play.
Werstiuk had worked at the Collicutt Centre since 2008 as an evening custodial lead and in July was promoted to facility operations worker.
Collicutt Centre supervisor Denis Delemont said Werstiuk was a dedicated leader, a true team player and a positive and considerate person.
“He was always ready to go and he made some strong connections with some of our staff here,” said Delemont.
“It’s a huge void that we’re going to have to fill. He was our leader at night and our go to guy when things were happening at night. It’s a sad situation. I just wish the family the best because he was a great guy.”
Werstiuk was born in Grande Prairie and went to high school in Stettler.
He worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor in Lethbridge and Stettler. He lived in Red Deer with his wife Jen, since 2008.
The service and celebration with Pastor Paul Vallee officiating begins at 2 p.m.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Chinese Kindergarten Program in care of Vanguard Bible School (12140-103 Street Northwest, Edm, AB T5G 2J9) or the House of Hope Girls Orphanage in care of Living Stones Church. Condolences can be forwarded to the family at www.metcalffuneralchapel.com